Solidarity success in the Capital

On Wednesday evening, staff and Companions went to central Cardiff to provide hot food and drinks, warm clothing and toiletries to people living on the streets. This solidarity night was something Companions were keen to do, supporting those in greater need than themselves, noting the words of Abbé Pierre and the ethos of Emmaus.

The solidarity night had been weeks in the planning, with all of the Emmaus South Wales shops putting aside tents, sleeping bags and warm clothing to give out on the night. The Community had also set aside mince pies, biscuits and crisps that they had received as donations to give out as extras on the night.

Utilising the Community minibus and staff cars, a team of thirteen made up of nine Companions and four staff made their way to central Cardiff armed with essentials to help those living on the streets.

As soon as the Emmaus team arrived, the good work began with a table for the hot pasta and hot drinks being set up on Cardiff Queen Street. Tents and sleeping bags were some of most needed items and were given out alongside waterproof coats, hats, gloves and scarfs.

One street homeless woman asked if there was any waterproof coats and explained how she had always wanted a flowery Joules coat, after seeing them displayed in the shop window in Cardiff. Just by chance, the waterproof coat that we handed to her was in fact a brand new Joules coat donated to us by McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Bridgend. The woman was close to tears and was so grateful for receiving the coat she never thought she would have. She said, "That's one of my Christmas wishes come true. I can't believe it, thank you so much."

With spirits running high, the Emmaus team spent around two hours on the streets of Cardiff giving out hot food and other items until there was nothing left. In only a short period, over twenty street homeless individuals benefited from the solidarity night. Not only were they grateful for the food and other items they received, but also for the kindness, compassion and time staff and Companions gave to them.

The journey back to the Community gave everyone time to talk about the nights successes and when the next solidarity night would be. It was also a time of reflection for some Companions, who had themselves been homeless on the streets of Cardiff before joining Emmaus.

If you would like to support the next Emmaus South Wales solidarity night, you can donate to the Solidarity Fund here. This will help us to continue supporting those in need.

Or you can also support the next solidarity night by donating the following items to your nearest Emmaus South Wales shop:

Tents

Sleeping bags

Rucksacks

Waterproof jackets

Waterproof trousers

Thermal Gloves

Thermal Socks

Thermal leggings

Hats

Scarfs

Female sanitary items

(It would be highly beneficial if items were unisex or non-gender specific. When you donate items for the solidarity night in our shops, please tell a member of staff so we can set aside your donation.)